2012-13 tuition among lowest in Kansas

June 21, 2012

With approval Wednesday of Emporia State University’s tuition plan for the coming academic year, the regional institution retains its status as offering the second lowest tuition among Regents universities in the state.

The Kansas Board of Regents approved the plan during its meeting Wednesday in Topeka. Tuition at Emporia State University for the 2012-13 academic year will increase a minimum of $119 per, depending on a student’s residency and educational status.

For in-state undergraduate students at Emporia State, tuition for 2012-13 will cost $2,051 per semester, the second-lowest tuition for the six universities in the Regents system.

“Our tuition and budget committee worked hard to minimize the increase in tuition,” said Dr. Michael D. Shonrock, president of Emporia State University. “I’m happy that Emporia State continues to be a good value for Kansas residents. Our value coupled with our flat rate tuition and generous scholarship package means that our university offers its students the best of a quality education at an affordable price.”

The additional tuition revenue is needed to offset mandatory increases in group health insurance and retirement benefits. Other initiatives the tuition and budget committee identified — including a new tuition waiver plan — are being funded through other resources.

Under the tuition-waiver plan, spouses and dependents of Emporia State employees could have 20 to 100 percent of their tuition waived if they are full-time, degree-seeking students who maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average each semester. Employees become eligible to apply for the waiver after completing one year of employment.

The amount of the waiver is tied to the number of years of service to the university. A full tuition waiver is available after completing five years on the job. Qualifying students would still be required to pay the approved student fees.

Emporia State already offers tuition assistance for employees.

“The new tuition waiver plan will help us recruit and retain talented faculty and staff who are so vital to the success of Emporia State,” Shonrock said. “This allows us to recognize all of our employees and reward them for their hard work.”

Emporia State University is a dynamic and progressive student-centered learning community that fosters student success through engagement in academic excellence, community and global involvement, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.